Unconditional Dominance

Preface

Dawson's P.O.V.

"Daddy?"

A soft murmur came from somewhere behind, and I turned and spotted Katherine hugging the door frame as she peered into my bedroom. I smiled. She warmed my heart every time I laid eyes on her.

"Yes, baby?"

Her blue eyes darted from mine to the suitcase that lay open and partially packed on my bed. I watched her eyebrows knit together.

"Were you going to say goodbye...?"

The uncertainty laced in her voice tugged at my heart. I had taken many trips out of town, and I hoped that with each one she would get a little more accustomed to me leaving once in a while. But here we were, me on my way out of town, and her mourning my temporary absence.

I loved and hated it. I wanted her to miss me, of course. And I loved that she did. But I hated to see her so worked up each time work took me away.

Turning, I sat on the bed and held my arms out. She immediately came out from behind the door frame and crossed the room in her bare feet and a soft little night dress that her Master no doubt insisted she wear, for it was nearly transparent.

Climbing into my lap, she snaked her arms around my neck and buried her face in my shoulder.

"You were gonna leave without saying goodbye...weren't you?"

"Katherine Marie Wright," I scolded. "Have I ever left without saying goodbye?"

"...no."

"Then what makes you doubt it this time?"

"It's almost bedtime...and Master said I wasn't allowed to bother you. I was afraid of falling asleep before you came in to see me."

Chuckling at her usual antics, I placed my chin on top of her head and shook my head, bemused.

"Does he know you disobeyed him?"

Shaking her head, she nuzzled herself closer as if I could somehow protect her from Clark's displeasure. I continued to shake my head as I imagined the warm bottom she would likely receive before being put to bed.

"Naughty girl," I teased.

"I had to," she defended, pulling back just enough so that I could see her big doe eyes. "I was afraid I would be asleep before you had the chance to say goodbye..." she explained again, sounding terribly little and helpless. She tucked her face back into my shoulder and closed her eyes. "I had to."

I smiled, petting the back of her head with one hand while the other remained wrapped tightly around her waist.

"Such a brave girl... Disobeying her master and risking a punishment just to say goodbye to boring old me... I am beyond flattered."

"Don't tease me..." she grumbled from my shirt, and I chuckled and patted her bottom.

"Silly girl, you should have trusted me to come to you."

Her fingers tugged idly at the buttons on my shirt. "How long will you be gone?"

"Three weeks, sweetheart. I already told you this."

"I know," she huffed. "Just wanted to make sure it hadn't changed."

"It hasn't. You won't even notice I'm gone."

My eyes wandered to the clock on my dresser. It was almost time to leave.

"I will notice..." she murmured so sadly that I found myself forgetting the clock and the time. I turned my head to hers and pressed my cheek to the top of her head.